The Cherrymount estate in Waterford City was a hive of activity on Saturday as volunteers planted 1,500 native Irish trees.
It's all part of Cherrymount Community NeighbourWoods.
Following on from the successful planting of a similar number of trees at Carriganore in 2021, the event at Cherrymount involved the combined efforts of Waterford Comhairle na nÓg, Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service's Be Environmental! Erasmus+ Project, the Forestry Department at Waterford Institute of Technology, along with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Lions Club.
The group converted one acre of the green area adjacent to John’s River in Waterford City into what will become an urban woodland. A wide range of native Irish tree species, including alder, downy birch, hawthorn, hazel and rowan trees were planted at the site.
Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan District, Cllr. Jason Murphy lent his support to the tree planting campaign and commended the groups:
There is no doubt that planting trees in urban areas contributes to so many positives to any community. From improving air quality, to getting the community together to create a wonderful legacy and giving the younger residents of the estate the unbridled joy of exploring in a woodland area on their very own doorstep.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, “Native woodlands are an important part of Ireland’s natural, historical and cultural heritage, and are unique in terms of their biodiversity.”
Waterford Comhairle na nOg also developed an app CommuniTree which helps young people to stay connected and to complete environmental challenges to help their digital tree grow. The more trees that were grown digitally resulted in more trees being planted for NeighbourWoods.
Etse Oshiogwemoh, Chairperson of Comhairle for 2022 said, “In Comhairle we feel a native tree trail is important for a number of reasons. It helps to embrace and encourage the natural ecosystem and promotes a sustainable future for our community, from which we all benefit.''
Meanwhile, Waterford Council has announced that a feasibility study is underway regarding building a Greenway between Dungarvan and Mallow. More here.
